Vehicle Recall Check
Federal law requires manufacturers to fix safety recalls at no charge. Always check VIN recall status before buying or selling a used vehicle — the free NHTSA tool takes under 60 seconds.
Free NHTSA Recall Lookup
Enter any 17-character VIN to check all open federal safety recalls. Covers all vehicles from all manufacturers. Results are instant and free.
nhtsa.gov/recalls →How to Check Recall Status
Find the VIN
Driver's door jamb sticker, dashboard near windshield, or vehicle registration card. All vehicles from 1981 onward have a 17-character VIN.
Run the NHTSA check
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter the VIN. Free, instant, covers all federal safety recalls. You can also text the VIN to 66423.
Review open recalls
Each recall shows description, remedy status (available / not yet available), and whether this specific VIN has been remedied.
Get recalls fixed free
Federal law requires manufacturers to repair safety recalls at no charge at any authorized dealer — regardless of who owns the vehicle.
Seller Disclosure Rules by State
| State | Dealer Recall Rule | Private Seller Rule | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Dealers prohibited from selling unrepaired recalls (CVC § 11713.18) | No requirement | Full guide → |
| Texas | FTC rules apply; no state recall sale ban | No requirement | Full guide → |
| Florida | FDUTPA applies; no state recall sale ban | No requirement | Full guide → |
| New York | VTL § 417 disclosure; recall may be a "known defect" | Civil fraud risk for concealment | Full guide → |
| Illinois | ICFA applies; concealing known recall = deceptive act | No specific requirement | Full guide → |
| Ohio | CSPA applies; selling with undisclosed recall = deceptive | No specific requirement | Full guide → |